Content

COPE is the electronic updated version of the Dictionary of Cytokines (Wiley; New York:1994) and represents a comprehensive online reference guide to the
field of cytokine research. The database is maintained by one person, and as there
are currently over 50,000 entries organized on over 6,650 separate web pages, this
represents a labor of love of monumental proportions.

Navigation

Navigation through the site is simplicity itself. An alphabetical jump section allows
you to jump to a list of the current entries for each letter. From this list you can
select the cytokine of interest and go to its own specific web page. If you are more
interested in a certain area of research than in a particular cytokine, the site has
grouped some information within the encyclopedia in the form of 'mini-dictionaries'
(for example, Apoptosis MiniCOPE Dictionary), and also has a link to a series of topics in cytokine research (for example, wound
healing), which will then direct you to a detailed description of each area and how
various cytokines are involved.

Reporter's comments

Timeliness

The last update for COPE was in August 1999.

Best feature

For anyone working with cytokines this is a very useful site. It is very easy to navigate
and is well laid out. A basic introduction to cytokines is provided, and several interesting
sections including the 'mini-encyclopedias' allow the researcher to find the information
they require quickly.

Worst feature

The lack of a recent update is a shame. As an example, the section devoted to insulin-like
growth factors (IGFs) discusses the gene structures of IGF1 and IGF2. IGF2 is described
as having five exons. This is completely inaccurate, as a tenth exon was described
for the gene early last year. Similar inaccuracies also occur for the IGF-binding
proteins. In an attempt to improve the speed of updating, the author has initiated
a novel procedure called 'CytokineAdopt'; if you are interested, you agree to adopt
a particular cytokine and update its information.

Wish list

I would love to see more people becoming active and adopting cytokines to update,
so that the site as a whole becomes more timely.

Table of links

Assumptions made about all sites unless otherwise specified:
The site is free, in English and no registration is required. It is relatively
quick to download, can be navigated by an 'intermediate' user, and no problems with
connection were found. The site does not stipulate that any particular browser be
used and no special software/plug-ins are required to view the site. There are relatively
few gratuitous images and each page has its own URL, allowing it to be bookmarked.